2017 NFL Draft: Bills looking to trade down from 10th overall pick

With four days to go until the first night of the 2017 NFL Draft, speculation as to whom the Buffalo Bills will select with their 10th overall pick is nearing a crescendo. Adding to that excitement is the possibility of a trade down via Yahoo! Sports’ Jason Cole:

Should Buffalo trade down, that would allow them to add to their current haul of six picks – pending the Bills’ decision on restricted free agent running back Mike Gillislee. With additional picks Buffalo decision makers would give themselves an opportunity to fill roster holes without the pressure of needing every pick to be a “hit”.

With the depth of the draft being at defensive back, receiver (both wide receiver and tight end) and defensive line, the value of that depth fitting Buffalo’s needs can be maximized should a trade down occur.

The Bills have until Monday to match the New England Patriots’ offer to Gillislee. If they elect to pass on Gillislee, Buffalo would receive a fifth-round pick as compensation.

Gillislee proved to be a significant asset last season in Buffalo, rushing for 577 yards on 101 attempts, 5.7 yards per carry, eight touchdowns, nine receptions for 50 yards, 5.6 yards per reception and one receiving touchdown as a backup for starting running back LeSean McCoy.

There’s little doubt the Bills would prefer to keep Gillislee, but salary cap considerations may make it a tight squeeze. Furthermore, this draft is considered deep in later rounds so it’s possible Buffalo could fill the vacancy with the extra pick if necessary. The Bills selected both running backs Karlos Williams Sr. and Jonathan Williams in the fifth rounds of the 2015 and 2016 NFL Drafts respectively.

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